In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the South Seattle Emerald hosted a vibrant community event that highlighted its pivotal role in providing authentic representation and news to the local population. The Emerald has been instrumental in uplifting the voices of South Seattle and addressing the issues that matter most to its residents.

Besa Gordon recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ginger Ewing, the driving force behind Terrain, the Pacific Northwest's premier multimedia arts and music festival, in downtown Spokane.  Ewing has been instrumental in Terrain's growth and success over the past 15 years.

Written by: Besa Gordon - Can you say, new season, new commercial, and this one is with my people from Communion, Re-Sole 206, Jerk Shack Kitchen, and Art Noir. Last month, I posted some BTS photos of me shooting a new commercial for Back2Besa with the FOX 13 Seattle production team at Midtown Square in the Central District, and I can now finally share it with you all.

In today's fast-paced world, men often face unique challenges that can impact their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Recognizing this need, YOUniversal Fitness has launched its groundbreaking Man Uplift program, a holistic initiative designed to empower men and foster a sense of community.

Besa Gordon gives a behind-the-scenes look at her shoot with FOX 13 Seattle for a new upcoming Back2Besa commercial.

Nestled in the heart of SoDo, SoNu Beauty Bar is a haven of serenity amidst the urban hustle and bustle. Owned by Denise Coleman Drinker, this beauty sanctuary offers a holistic approach to self-care, combining top-tier treatments with a tranquil ambiance.

For the third year, Lewis Rudd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, hosted the Black Business Leadership Conference (BBLC) at the University of Washington. This year's theme, "Ignite and Inspire," brought together black business owners, educators, and resource providers to foster growth and success within the black business community.

For the third year in a row, Lewis Rudd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, presented the Black Business Leadership Conference, also known as the BBLC, on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. This vital event united a diverse assembly of black business owners, educators, and resource providers. This year's theme, "Ignite and Inspire," focused on fostering growth and success within the black business community.

Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa and community advocate and weekly guest on Seattle's Good Day Seattle, recently sat down with Erin Mayovsky to discuss the Black Business Leadership Conference held at the University of Washington last month. The conference, a celebration of National Black Business Month, was a vibrant hub of energy and inspiration for aspiring and established Black entrepreneurs.  

In the heart of Seattle's Central District, Jerk Shack is more than just a restaurant; it's a community hub where Chef Trey Lamont shares his passion for Caribbean-inspired cuisine. In a recent interview with Kiesha Garrison from Hey Black Seattle, Chef Trey shared his journey and the inspiration behind his unique menu.

The Facts Newspaper, a cornerstone of Seattle's Black community, has been in publication since the 1960s. Founded by Fitzgerald Beaver, The Facts was created to fill the gap left by the daily paper and to center the Black experience in Seattle.

August is National Black Business Month, and we're excited to announce the first round of winners for the Back2Besa Black Business Uplift! Congratulations to Luam, Davis, and Kay! We can’t wait to share your stories soon on Back2Besa.

Project Girl, founded by Olympia Edwards, is a mentoring program based in Lynwood, Washington, that provides a fun and interactive space for young women of color to learn and grow. The organization offers eight different programs, including after-school and summer programs, counseling, mentoring, and junior and senior programs.

Mount Zion Baptist Church has been the spiritual and cultural fabric that knits my family’s history to Seattle, spanning back six generations. On July 20th, I had the opportunity to honor this legacy by hosting my very first book signing and documentary screening at this historic church.

From the moment you step inside Beautiful Awakenings, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility. The spa's interior, thoughtfully designed by Jamila herself, is bathed in natural light and adorned with lush greenery. The ambiance is both inviting and luxurious, setting the stage for a truly indulgent experience.

Do you know of a Black-owned business in the Pacific Northwest that deserves recognition? We want to hear from you! Nominate your favorite business today and tell us why you think they should be featured. August is National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses across the United States. This annual observance, established in 2004, serves as a reminder of the resilience, innovation, and economic impact of Black entrepreneurs.

Back2Besa guest host Deaunte Damper recently revisited a local favorite in Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood: Creamy Cone Cafe. This delightful ice cream, espresso, and specialty food shop, owned by Ashanti Mayfield, has been serving up scoops of joy since 2021.

Ezell's Famous Chicken, the popular Pacific Northwest fried chicken chain, is set to host its third annual R.U.B.B. Initiative Conference this August. The conference, created in collaboration with DoorDash and other partners, aims to uplift and empower Black business owners in Washington state.

In this segment of The Day With Trae, guest host Besa Gordon fills in for Trae Holiday to interview Jazmin Elon, the founder and visionary behind Blk Sunflower. An entrepreneur and educator, Elon established her company based on candle making. Since then, she has turned her experiences as a budding business owner and candle maker to leading the BLK Sunflower Business Collective, a thriving community of over 800 entrepreneurs she helps grow and succeed.

YOUniversal FIT Studio, with the support of a $10,000 grant from the Tacoma Black Fund, is launching "Men Uplift," a groundbreaking program dedicated to the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Black men. This initiative is spearheaded by Mike Ford, whose personal journey from emotional abuser to advocate has inspired this critical program.